The Sherlocks at Islington Assembly Hall

The Islington Assembly Hall’s speakers are blasting out classic indie tunes at over 100 decibels as we eagerly await for the South Yorkshire band to take the stage. The Sherlocks are touring their fourth album to date since they formed in 2010, but as the group comes out they appear so young it’s hard to believe they’ve been around for over a decade.

It’s a bit of a stiff start as they open with the catchy People Like Me and You, released earlier this year. Vocalist Kiaran Crook is faultless in his delivery, while the rest of the musicians sound equally seamless. However, they appear a tad nervous throughout the first few songs while the set warms up. New song Going Nowhere is met with approving nods but it’s not until World I Understand hits our ears that the crowd, and the band, really get going.

“There’s a group of you who look like you wanna go off. If you wanna do it, just mosh,” Kiaran tells the crowd before launching into Escapade. By now, the four-piece are in full swing and really come into their own. “This one’s for the people that knew us back in 2017,” announces Crook, as they proceed to play the anthemic Live for the Moment. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d gone back to 2008 when seeing The Sherlocks with their skinny jeans and indie rock, but it’s clearly a welcome hark back to better days for their fans, and they do it well.

The band play through any opportunity for an encore, and we’re treated to the lively Sirens, City Lights and Don’t Let it Out. “Who cares if you get thrown out – dance on each other’s shoulders!” Crook orders excitedly to an already whipped-up crowd. Chasing Shadows ends with an extended outro and a short drum solo, and the group chants, “I’m always chasing shadows,” together with the audience before leaving the stage. After a shaky start, The Sherlocks definitely ended this one on a high.

Hannah Broughton
Photos: Guifre de Peray

For further information and future events visit The Sherlocks’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Sirens here: